Connor McDavid avoids adding to Gavin McKenna hype as Maple Leafs face development test

Connor McDavid was asked about his thoughts on Gavin McKenna and the Oilers captain kept it pretty neutral though admitted he's got a great group to work with.

McDavid is unquestionably one of, if not the best, player in the world. He's done everything possible except win a Stanley Cup, and no doubt already cemented himself as one of the greatest of all time with a good decade ahead of him to continue his dominance.

Right now though, McDavid is enjoying his summer break until he needs to get prepared for the season ahead, and took some time to enjoy his teammates and friends at the Zach Hyman Charitable Golf Tournament held at the Oakdale Country Club in Toronto.

Media was no doubt looking to get some comments from the superstar, especially when it comes to his thoughts on fellow first overall pick Gavin McKenna.

McDavid refuses to add to the McKenna expectations during his first NHL season

If there's anyone who knows the pressures and expectations coming into a franchise who is desperate for success - it's the Oilers captain.

But he didn't gush about his potential nor did he try and scare him away from any of the pressures that were involved. Calmly and honestly, McDavid admitted he doesn't know too much about the young forward, but that he's got a great future in Toronto:

I don't know much about him to be honest. Seems like he's a good kid - he'll have his hands full in Toronto. It seems like he's prepared for it, he'll have a good support system there too with Auston...you know he'll have a lot of support around him. I think he'll be fine.

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McDavid's comments ground McKenna's first season in a bit of reality. Toronto media and fans are going to expect the world of him, and he's going to need his time to adjust, so mentioning how he's going to have both the positive and negative experiences is key. McDavid knows that the questions only get harder so he's warning McKenna to be on his toes.

This isn't McDavid doubting McKenna's ability, and his self-admission that he didn't know much about him prevents that since all he can go by is word of mouth. He also didn't push a number on the rookie whether it be points or goals - the metrics will come in due time.

Being the face of a franchise is one of the hardest jobs in sports, and with McKenna expected to be that for Toronto, McDavid's at least trying to give him a heads up about what to expect.

Toronto has to prove McDavid right about the support system McKenna has

Now it's up to the Maple Leafs to do the work. They have to give McKenna every chance to succeed and surround him with leaders and veterans who can steer him on the right path.

Not only will McKenna have Matthews to lean on, but John Tavares as well - two more first overall picks who understand the pressures of changing a franchise.

Then he's also got long-time veterans like Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Sergei Bobrovsky, Anthony Stolarz, and Max Domi who can all offer some type of guidance and advice on how to carve out a long NHL career.

Their goals should be tempering expectations and making sure McKenna doesn't get down on himself if things start slow or make sure he doesn't get too ahead of himself if he's hot. The NHL season is a rollercoaster, and McKenna has to be prepared for those peaks but also the drop-off.

Jim Hiller has a clean slate with the entire team, but with McKenna he has carte blanche to do what he feels is necessary - not what others want him to do. If McKenna is prepared to jump into the powerplay right away and contribute, then why not?

But if he's not comfortable with those situations and there are players who could in turn take his place temporarily until he finds his footing then that call has to be made too. McKenna is going to fail, but you can't leave him hung out to dry.

McDavid didn't predict that McKenna would be a superstar, but instead he implored the Maple Leafs to recognize the talent they have and make sure they do their best to develop him into their franchise leader - not just force him to assume the role.

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